UK's leading DIY firms and builders merchants have come together to tackle crime against their businesses with the creation of the DIY and Building Trade Loss Prevention Forum. 

Footfall fell 1% between May and July compared with the same period last year, according to the new BRC/Springboard-ATCM Footfall and Vacancies Monitor. 

DIY chain introduces 'Rain or Shine' weather predictor to its website, enabling users to plan their DIY or garden project for the coming Bank Holiday weekend, whatever the weather. 

Ernst & Young announces scheduled closure of a further 12 TJ Hughes department stores over the coming week 

The value of UK retail sales rose 4.3% in July compared with the same month last year, but sales volumes remained unchanged as consumers and retailers continued to face challenging conditions. 

Wilkinson is launching an upmarket own brand range of home and kitchenware products to be rolled out from October 2011. 

Retail footfall slumped in the capital last week as stores closed early and shoppers stayed indoors during the riots. 

Life & Style has been bought out of administration by Sue Townsend, former director of bookseller Blackwells. 

Consumer Price Index annual inflation was 4.4% in July, up from 4.2% in June, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). 

The British Retail Consortium is launching a new monitor next week to report on how shopper numbers have changed year-on-year, and also reveal shop vacancy rates. 

Furniture chain Leekes has agreed the terms of purchase to relocate its Bedworth store to a former Makro site on the Gallagher Business Park in Coventry. 

The administrators to Life & Style say they are close to selling the fashion and home chain, created last year by Elaine McPherson from the ashes of her failed fashion chain Ethel Austin. 

Next overtakes Tesco in IMRG/Hitwise Hot Shops List, while DIY retailers drop down through the ranks, as last quarter's demand for outdoor living and summer ranges makes for a tough comparison. 

Fashion retailer Next opened its new Shoreham superstore to the public last week. Here is a first look at the brand new format, which includes a substantial DIY and garden offer. 

A 33-year-old man charged with starting the fire at the House of Reeves furniture store is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates' court this morning. 

Bentley is offering a free broom to all those wanting to help clean up after last week's devastating riots across the UK. 

Failed department store set to shut another nine stores this month, including its Salford outlet, which was so badly damaged by recent rioting it could no longer continue trading. 

Carpetright owner Lord Harris of Peckham has made a donation to help those who lost their homes when his Tottenham store was burnt down in last Saturday’s riots. 

New initiative to bring together tradesmen, architects, construction companies and others to help rebuild damaged homes and businesses following the UK riots. 

Garden centre chain Dobbies has reported an 8% increase in sales for its full year, boosted by new store openings.